All posts by Chris

Cancer Care Tips, Living with Cancer

Tips to Holding a Family “Cancer Update” Meeting

Grandparents posing with grandchildren
Cancer Updates for Family

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, sharing information with family members can sometimes be awkward. Loved ones want to be helpful and supportive, but they wait to take their cues from you about how to proceed. Their behavior can go to extremes as they either walk on eggshells or act overly cheerful.

Many patients have found a solution in holding “cancer update” meetings with their families. Here are tips for conducting productive meetings that keep everyone involved.

  • Make a list of the people you want at the meetings. Include only those who are truly close to you, such as your cancer caregivers. Don’t be driven by a sense of obligation.
  • Decide what you want to share and what you’re uncomfortable with discussing. If you have certain hot buttons that trigger your emotions, plan neutral and non-judgmental responses to keep the meeting on topic.
  • Honest discussions are likely to inspire questions from you as well as your family members and cancer caregivers. Write them down so you can consult your medical team for advice.
  • Don’t try to be noble by refusing offers of help or maintaining a cheerfulness you don’t feel. It helps both you and your family if you give them specific ways they can assist you while allowing them to see your true feelings.

Immuno-oncology programs at Issels® are administered by experienced physicians with a history of treating all forms and stages of the disease. Our personalized approach includes addressing any questions and concerns you may have along the way. Visit our website to read and hear testimonials from patients who have benefited from our specialized treatment protocols.

Cancer Research, News

Tiny Synthetic Diamonds Light Up Cancer in MRI Scans

Detecting Cancer
Detecting Cancer

Diamonds are the most highly prized gems in the world of jewelry, but now there is a completely different reason to consider them precious. Cancer research at the University of Sydney has resulted in the development of synthetic diamonds that show promise as unique tools in the fight against cancer.

The recent study, published in Nature Communications, was inspired by the discovery that the non-toxic, non-reactive properties of nanodiamonds allow them to safely penetrate cell walls. While they initially showed promise as a delivery vehicle for cancer drugs administered during chemotherapy, physicists at the University of Sydney saw potential for further use in cancer detection.

Professor David Reilly, lead author of the study, explained that it was the magnetic properties of the gems that captured their interest. He and his team hyperpolarized nanodiamonds by aligning atoms in such a way that they would emit a signal visible through MRIs. Once the altered nanodiamonds were attached to cancer-targeting molecules, the researchers were able to track them via the signals.

According to Helen Zorbas, chief executive of Cancer Australia, there is reason to believe that nanodiamond tracking can aid in detection of brain and pancreatic cancers along with other hard-to-find forms. Since early onset of treatment offers a greater chance of effectiveness, this method could be extremely valuable in improving survival possibilities.

Current cancer research has focused on other non-toxic methods such as personalized treatment and immunotherapy, which are protocols that we have successfully used at Issels® for years. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative cancer treatment programs.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research

Theranostic Agent and Infrared Light Allow for Improved Cancer Surgery

Future Medical Treatment
Future Medical Treatment

One of the biggest challenges facing surgeons operating on cancer patients is making sure the entire tumor is removed. Thanks to recent cancer research at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, advancements in phototherapy could lead to major improvements in surgery and treatment.

Phototherapy is a field holding promise as a valuable adjunct to current primary cancer treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Its unique nature can help surmount the hurdles presented by forms of cancer that have developed a resistance to drug therapy.

The study at OSU involved a single-agent system using silicon napthalocyanine, a substance considered to be “theranostic” because it has both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The compound causes cancer cells to glow under near-infrared light, allowing a surgeon to have a clearer view of the tumor. In addition, the heat generated by the substance kills any remaining cancer cells.

Associate professor Olena Taratula, lead author of the study, compared the system to “an extra pair of eyes” assisting a surgeon. Other benefits include its relatively low cost as well as biodegradability and ease of reproduction.

Tests were performed on laboratory animals suffering from ovarian cancers. After treatment, the tumors were eliminated without any side effects and never returned. Continuing cancer research will be performed on dogs with cancerous tumors, with an eventual goal of progressing to trials with human cancer patients.

If your cancer has not responded to standard treatments, even new tactics, our non-toxic immunotherapy programs at Issels® may be the answer. Our protocols incorporate innovative, state-of-the-art methods for personalized treatment with fewer side effects. Visit our website to learn more about these immune boosting treatments and read real-life testimonials from our patients.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, Immuno-Oncology, News

Using the Power of a Dendritic Cell Vaccine

Using Cells To Fight Cancer
Using Cells To Fight Cancer

The term “vaccine” is often associated with the prevention of diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough, many of which are contagious and usually occur in childhood. A non-toxic cancer vaccine that proactively combats existing tumors has been an effective part of our immuno-oncology protocols at Issels®.

Our vaccine therapies derive their power from a patient’s own immune system. The vaccines themselves are autologous, meaning they are prepared using the patient’s blood to incorporate potent dendritic cells.

The power of dendritic cells

Dendritic cells act as coordinators between the innate immune system, which provides the initial response to pathogens, and the adaptive immune system, which offers a long-lasting defense against the invading cells. When foreign organisms are detected, dendritic cells capture their markers, or antigens, for presentation to T-lymphocyte cells, triggering the attack on the pathogens.

What is extracorporeal photopheresis?

FDA-approved for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, this process involves passing blood through a chamber featuring ultraviolet light, which boosts immune properties. White blood cells comprised of monocytes and lymphocytes are then extracted before the blood is returned to the body. The separated cells are cultured to become active dendritic cells and injected back into the patient, where they initiate an immune response against the tumor.

Our immuno-oncology treatment programs are personalized based on the needs of each individual patient. Specific protocols may include a non-toxic cancer vaccine, gene therapies, and other integrative treatments designed to stimulate the body’s natural immune responses. Visit our website to learn more about the effectiveness and benefits of our non-toxic, state-of-the-art immunotherapy protocols.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Care Tips, Cancer Research, News

Vitamin C is Now Called Non-Toxic Chemo

Healthy Living With Cancer
Non Toxic Chemo

Late in his career, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Linus Pauling became an advocate for the use of vitamin C in treatment and prevention of colds, heart disease and cancer. At the time, his theories were largely debunked by the medical community. Today, Pauling’s ideas are gaining new life as recent cancer research suggests that vitamin C may indeed be effective against cancer cells.

Vitamin C vs. cancer-causing cells

A study published in Science magazine examined the effects of high doses of vitamin C in tumor-afflicted mice. Researchers discovered that the vitamin selectively killed certain mutant cells that are known to cause cancer. The specific mutations, KRAS and BRAF, are found in more than half of human colorectal cancers.

Why did the results of this study vary from the earlier cancer research? According to the authors, vitamin C must be administered intravenously to reach the levels required to kill the mutant cells, while earlier studies focused exclusively on oral ingestion.

“Non-toxic chemo”

The Vitamin C Foundation, which has carried on with Pauling’s advocacy, has dubbed the nutrient the “non-toxic chemo.” Among their publications is a study from 2012 suggesting that long-term use of vitamin C supplements may help prevent breast cancer.

According to Science, the newer study provides evidence for further cancer research involving vitamin C as a treatment for colorectal cancer.

For decades, Issels® has been a leader in the use of integrative, non-toxic immuno-oncology treatments tailored to a patient’s specific needs. If you or a loved one is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, contact us to learn more about our innovative programs.

After Cancer, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Survivors, News, Testimonials

There is “Life” After Cancer

Life After Cancer
Life After Cancer

While it was once unlikely at best, surviving cancer has become reality for a steadily growing number of patients. According to the American Cancer Society, survivorship is defined from the point of diagnosis and extends through the balance of life.

The ACS teamed up with the National Cancer Institute for extensive reports on current cancer survivorship and treatment statistics. Here is a look at some numbers that reflect the positive results of integrative immunotherapy and other effective treatment methods.

Cancer rates are down while survivorship is up

While there has been a reduction in cancer incidence rates, the number of survivors has grown sharply over the last 40 years. The 3.3 million total in 1974 has become 14.5 million in 2014, with the number expected to reach 18.9 million by 2024.

Gender differences are minor

Female survivors outnumber male survivors by slightly more than 700,000, but percentages by age, type of cancer and post-diagnosis years are remarkably similar. More than 40 percent of survivors in both groups are aged 70 and older, due to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.

Early detection makes a major difference

Statistics continue to show the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The five-year survival rates for breast, prostate, colon and skin cancers range from 90-100 percent when diagnosed at the early localized stage.

Issels® has been successfully treating patients for years using non-toxic integrative immunotherapy. Visit our website to learn more about how our protocols are based on a patient’s individual needs, boosting the body’s own natural defense mechanisms.